Ian Snyder Latest Posts

Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2026
Visited in 2026

Ian Snyder has had a passion for award travel ever since entering the miles and points world over a decade ago. He enjoys using them to see places both near and far, whether he’s traveling solo, with friends, or with his kids. Especially well versed in frequent flyer programs, Ian understands their intricacies and often is able to maximize his points using the best award deals.

Ian is closing in on 30 countries visited, which may seem like too few for someone who loves to travel as much as he does. But he also loves life in rural Northern California, and returning home from a trip is its own reward. More than anything, Ian wants to demonstrate that extraordinary travel is possible for the ordinary family. He loves helping his friends and family with their own award travel.

Marriott Annual Choice Benefits: Best Options and How to Select Your Perks Before the Upcoming Deadline

If you accrue 50 or 75 Marriott elite night credits in a calendar year, you'll be rewarded with a Marriott Annual Choice Benefit, one of the best perks of hitting these thresholds. Rather than an ongoing status benefit, you'll have a one-time selection from a list of options. The choices range from suite upgrades and Free Night Award to extra Elite Night Credits and even a $1,000 discount on a hotel brand mattress.

The Best Ways To Earn JetBlue Points

JetBlue might not have the massive route network of a legacy carrier but, its TrueBlue frequent flyer program offers great value for a revenue-based loyalty program. You can redeem TrueBlue points on any JetBlue flight with paid seats available, letting you enjoy the unique in-flight service offered by the carrier. While it's easy to redeem points, it's also quite easy to earn JetBlue points. Here are the best ways earn with the airline.

JetBlue TrueBlue Guide to Earning and Redeeming Points, Mosaic Status, and More

JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program has created a fan base by keeping things simple. While JetBlue has revamped its Mosaic elite status program over the years, most members have benefited from the changes. And JetBlue has been steadily expanding its list of airline partners, giving members more ways to redeem JetBlue points. Here's everything you need to know about JetBlue TrueBlue.

American Express Business Platinum Card Review: Are the New Benefits Worth the Higher Annual Fee?

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium business card that commands a high annual fee but offers tons of value through lounge access, hotel and car rental elite status, over $3,500 in annual credits, travel protections, and even cell phone insurance. Check out our detailed review of the card, covering the welcome offer, earning rates, travel perks, and the array of credits that can save you lots of money. These will help you decide if the card is right for you.

Cathay Asia Miles Routing Rules: How to Build Multi-Stopover Trips to Maximize Value

Real magic can happen when you use the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Oneworld multi-carrier chart to book award tickets. You can add multiple stopovers to create a complex trip at a great price. Some of the pricing bands offer excellent value, especially compared to the cost of many business class one-way and round-trip awards. Here, we cover all the award routing rules in one place.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Guide: How the 2025 Changes Are Reshaping the Program

Southwest’s loyalty program has long been a fan favorite thanks to perks like the Companion Pass, no change fees, and two free checked bags. But major changes in 2025 — including lower earning rates, variable award pricing, and adding bag fees — have reshaped the program. Here’s what still works, what’s changing, and how to maximize your Rapid Rewards points going forward.

How to Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points — And Which Options Offer the Best Value

Have Amex points and wondering what to do with them? From luxurious business class flights to poor-value gift cards, not all redemptions are created equal. This guide breaks down the best (and worst) ways to redeem your American Express Membership Rewards points—including sweet spots with ANA, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and more — so you can get the most value from every point.

ANA Mileage Club Guide: How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize This Valuable Amex Transfer Partner

ANA Mileage Club is a frequent flyer program you don’t want to overlook — especially if you collect Amex points. With some of the best redemption rates for premium cabin travel and a strong lineup of airline partners, ANA miles can unlock serious value. This in-depth guide covers how to earn ANA miles, book award flights, maximize sweet spots, and navigate the program’s unique rules.